Imavov Calls Out UFC’s Corruption The Shocking Battle for Du Plessis’ Title Shot

Fresh off a spectacular knockout victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC Saudi Arabia, Nassourdine Imavov has made it crystal clear—he wants his shot at UFC middleweight gold. With four dominant wins in the last year against Jared Cannonier, Roman Dolidze, Brendan Allen, and most recently, Adesanya, the Russian-born Frenchman has solidified his case for a title shot.

But despite his meteoric rise, it seems fame—not skill—will dictate the next challenger for Dricus Du Plessis. Frustrated, Imavov fired a warning to ‘Stillknocks’ while also exposing UFC CEO Dana White. But what exactly set off the #2-ranked middleweight?

Du Plessis Prioritizes Money Fights Over Merit

At the UFC 312 post-fight press conference, Dricus Du Plessis didn’t mince words—star power, not rankings, would decide his next opponent.

He bluntly stated:
❝It doesn’t matter what I think (should face me for the title); we all know what’s going to happen. Like, what do you think makes more money? Me and Khamzat Chimaev? Or me and Imavov?❞

While he acknowledged Imavov’s skills, he admitted that the UFC’s business model prioritizes pay-per-view sales over fighter merit.

Khamzat Chimaev: The UFC’s Golden Ticket

It’s no secret that Khamzat Chimaev is one of the biggest names in the sport. His undefeated aura, aggressive fight style, and marketability make him a prime candidate for a title shot. Du Plessis knows this, which is why he sees Chimaev as the inevitable next challenger.

However, Nassourdine Imavov isn’t backing down.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he retweeted Du Plessis’ comments and unleashed a scathing response directed at both the champion and Dana White:

❝That’s what the @UFC is all about—allow the best to become champs, no matter their fame. You’re a good example of that. You took advantage of it, and now you’re closing the door. **Khamzat is a superstar—he’ll sell against anyone. Him or me, your time’s coming, @DricusDuPlessis.❞

With that bold statement, Imavov made it clear—he refuses to be ignored.

Dana White’s Dilemma: Chimaev vs. Imavov?

While Dricus Du Plessis leans toward Khamzat Chimaev, Imavov’s dominance cannot be overlooked. However, history shows that Dana White and the UFC prioritize blockbuster fights over rankings-based matchmaking.

If Imavov wants to jump ahead of Chimaev, he must prove that he is just as marketable and can sell PPVs. Otherwise, he risks being pushed aside, despite his impressive resume.

But while Imavov eyes a title shot, it appears that Israel Adesanya isn’t done with him just yet.

Israel Adesanya Eyes Potential Rematch With Imavov

The fall of Israel Adesanya has been one of the biggest shocks in MMA history. Once the undisputed middleweight king, ‘The Last Stylebender’ has now suffered three consecutive defeats, with his latest loss coming against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia.

While many expected him to demand an immediate rematch, Adesanya had a surprising response. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he dismissed the idea—unless one key factor changes.

❝Imavov beat me. People ask me, ‘You should get a rematch.’ I was like, ‘Nah, I’m good. He beat me.’❞

However, Adesanya left the door open, saying:

❝If maybe one day something for the belt happens, or whatever, he has a title, and then there’s a cool story. But right now? I don’t need to. He beat me. Fair game.❞